Production of beta-isophorone epoxide used e.g. in Vitamin E synthesis, involves epoxidation of beta-isophorone with organic percarboxylic acid in non-aqueous solution

摘要

Selective production of beta -isophorone epoxide (1,5,5-trimethyl-7-oxa-bicyclo(4.1.0)heptan-3-one) (I) comprises epoxidation of beta -isophorone with organic percarboxylic acid at -50 to 100 deg C. Non-aqueous solutions are used and the per-acid is formed in a separate equilibrium reaction and absorbed or extracted with the oxidation solvent.